Course Project: Topic Selection
Assignment
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 1, 2, 3
Lesson
Introduction
Over the eight weeks of the course, you will work on a paper that addresses a current controversial issue. This paper is to be in the form of an argument. You will select a topic, choose an issue related to that topic, thoroughly research both sides of the issue, and then write a paper that supports one side or the other of the issue. Your paper must define the issue, present evidence on both sides of the issue, and then argue that one side is stronger and more persuasive than the other. Your paper must address at least three relevant aspects of the issue. More specific directions for each part of the paper will be found within the specific assignment in the weekly modules.
Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:
Week Task
Week 1
Topic Selection
Week 3 Issue Review (both sides)
Week 5 Thesis & Annotated Bibliography (both sides)
Week 7 Argumentative Paper
Instructions
This week, you will choose one of the following topics for your project:
Defunding the police
Critical race theory
Gender dysphoria treatment
Mandatory vaccination
Healthcare equity
Pandemic planning and response
Nursing homes – Inadequate staffing and mandatory overtime
Expanding the Nurse Licensure Compact
Holistic medicine
Telehealth
If you want to propose a different topic, you must have the consent of your instructor. When you choose a topic, think of specific issues under that topic that you will explore. Click on the following link for an example:
Immigration Topic Example
For the assignment this week, address the following:
State the topic chosen from the list or topic approved by instructor.
State the specific issue you will explore.
This must be stated either as a question (“Should prostitution be legalized?”) or a whether-or-not statement (“Whether prostitution should be legalized”).
For the stated issue, state three (3) aspects of the issue that you think you will likely develop in your paper. Briefly state why you have chosen each aspect.
You are not confined to three aspects only, but you must developat least three. As you develop your paper, you may find other aspects that you deem more relevant, and may add or substitute those.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
Length: 1-1.5 pages (not including title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
References page
Grading
This activity will be graded using the W1 Course Project Grading Rubric.
Outcomes
CO 6: Apply principles of critical reasoning to political, educational, economic, and/or social issues.
CO 7: Create a fallacy-free argument that incorporates principles of ethical decision-making.
Due Date
By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday
Rubric
W1 Course Project Grading Rubric – 15 pts
W1 Course Project Grading Rubric – 15 pts
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic
1 pts
Topic is clearly stated.
0 pts
Topic is not clearly stated.
1 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpecific Issue
2 pts
Specific issue is clearly stated.
0 pts
Specific issue is not clearly stated.
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAspect 1
4 pts
Aspect is clearly stated and explained.
3 pts
Aspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.
2 pts
Aspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.
0 pts
Aspect is not stated.
4 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAspect 2
4 pts
Aspect is clearly stated and explained.
3 pts
Aspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.
2 pts
Aspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.
0 pts
Aspect is not stated.
4 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAspect 3
4 pts
Aspect is clearly stated and explained.
3 pts
Aspect is clearly stated but explaination needs additional detail.
2 pts
Aspect and explanation are not clearly stated and need refinement.
0 pts
Aspect is not stated.
4 pts
Total Points: 15
